josephbloggs

Good Cat is a model, not a brand. I agree Tesla is a good name for an EV maker. I disagree that they look good, I find them frumpy and dumpy looking. I think the Chinese cars are much better looking: a Seal vs a Model 3, no contest in the looks department.

And you would have a link for these announcements of course? Please share. Please don't post an anti-EV YouTuber giving his spin, just a link to the actual announcements that you saw. I have seen announcements that Toyota is reshaping it's EV platforms, slowing down production whilst it invests in new EV technology platforms. It ignored the technology for so long seeing it as no threat to ICE sales, scrapped a JV with Tesla on an all electric RAV-4 back in 2012, and now it is paying the price at it is years behind the leaders. It's current production processes for EVs are too slow and cumbersome so they are not competitive on cost, hence the reinvestment in new platforms. Toyota have missed the boat completely. Ford are also having major problems with its unions that makes them uncompetitive and unproductive in the EV space. Again, they are trying to find solutions to enable them to compete with the likes of Tesla and other marques who didn't ignore the EV trend. The are paying catch up and are a long long way behind. The future is Chinese and I love how triggered that makes people. But again, please post your links to announcements they are not going to make EVs anymore.

Evidently people who try them love them, that's why global sales are growing year on year at a huge rate. The US is seeing a slowdown in growth but the US has never embraced these kind of things or things like modern train travel. Norway now has about 84% EV market share but then it has always been more forward looking. GM announced a split on the co-development project with Honda, but Honda and GM are committed to an electric future, just not together, and mainly due to problems with GM's unions. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/honda-shelves-plan-co-develop-smaller-evs-with-gm-bloomberg-news-2023-10-25/#:~:text="After extensive studies and analysis,only electrified vehicles by 2040. Toyota sat on their hands for so long (as did Honda) that they have a lot of catching up to do. They are putting a lot of their eggs in alternate technologies in the hope there'll be a breakthrough that will give them an edge in the future, but meanwhile they are committed to EVs, expecting to sell 3.5m of them by 2030. https://www.gearpatrol.com/cars/g38986745/car-brands-going-electric/ I really don't know where you get your information from (actually I can have a good guess). Why not try one yourself? A test drive is free. Getting back in an ICEV afterwards feel like your gone back in time a few decades, more so if you are climbing back in to a diesel. And before you come back with it, I'll get there first: EVs are not suitable for everyone. You need to have home charging. And if you need to drive several hundred kms at a time on a regular basis then an EV is not suitable for you. But for most of us they are worth looking at. I was a sceptic until someone let me try one for a period of time.

Can you tell us which major brands are ditching them please? (Pretty sure you're going to say Honda and GM which would only confirm you listen to click bait YouTubers and don't seek out the actual statements from the manufacturers). But in case I missed something, please enlighten. If you do indeed say Honda and GM I can help. In fact nearly all companies are committed to a fully electric future with concrete timeframes.

Here's a more in-depth analysis for you if you care to read it. It uses adult language though and not things like "woke market" or other childish terms. https://www.ev-volumes.com/#:~:text=However%2C over 300%2C000 additional EV,damaged demand%2C particularly for PHEVs.

Cash doesn't work everywhere. I have been in many shops (including Starbucks) that only accept digital payments. Granted, cash works in most places, but it definitely doesn't work in all. And I think you'll see more cashless shops throughout the year - it is the trend globally whether you like it or not.

Where am I nasty? Did I hurt someone's feelings? I only point out nonsense when people post lies or make up ridiculous scenarios that would never likely happen in your lifetime. Actual reasoned debate is welcome but I just don't generally see it in threads about EVs - the haters just really hate and have very closed minds. I say to them to try one (as I did) and then see what you think. Trying one really changed my opinion on them.

I agree with all of that. Home charging is a must, it makes absolutely no sense without that. Also doesn't make sense if you regularly need to drive very long distances. I will get an EV as my next car as it makes perfect sense for my needs - I have a house that could have a charger installed, I mostly drive in Bangkok with the occasional trip out of town.

I don't own an EV. Equally I would say it's pointless to argue with people with closed minds who won't even try an EV.

I have some what ifs for you, in the same order as yours. 1. What if your engine fails? 2. What if you have a collision that causes your car to be scrapped? 3. Flooding. What if you get caught in a huge flood that wrecks your engine? 4. What if your ICE manufacturer goes bankrupt? Chevrolet have gone from Thailand, Saab disappeared, MG went (then came back as a successful Chinese brand), Holden have gone, Triumph, many many others. And some extra ones: 5. What if you are filling up and the petrol station catches fire and explodes? Dozens have been killed in this way: 6. What if your engine seizes up as you didn't top up the oil and you skid off the road in to a ditch and drown? 7. What happens if your exhaust malfunctions and you get carbon monoxide poising and die? Who knew, making up ridiculous scenarios can be fun!! Shall we carry on?

Dude is an idiot. December is never dry in the south.

Yes, it towers over it from ground level. The Thaiger is the most badly written piece on junk on the internet. No idea why this stuff gets reposted, it is just awful.

Yes he is, and he handled it brilliantly. He is armed, he didn't draw his weapon, he realised this drunken fat man is not a danger and handled it accordingly. Hats off.

Ah, the last sentence reveals the chip on the shoulder. Got it now. Still disagree about it being scruffy and dated (and so does anyone else who's replied), but up to you. No platform indicator boards, I don't see why that's a big deal. Just turn your head and you can nearly always see the next train (apart from at really non peak times). The same company has them on the monorails as they only run every ten minutes, I don't see a need for them on the BTS when the trains are (usually) so close together.

How did learning knob go? Are you now proficient?

For a Schengen visa you need to provide flight (or train) details of how you will arrive and leave the Schengen zone, you need to show confirmed hotel bookings and also evidence of an acceptable travel insurance policy. Many people make fake or dummy bookings that can be canceled if they don't receive the visa. The UK visa is harder than Schengen in my experience although we've always done the Schengen one after being granted the UK visitor visa so this may make things easier. The UK does not require confirmed flight or hotel bookings but has a much more intrusive set of questions and evidence to provide. I have never been refused for either in over 25 years of doing them (for girlfriend and then wife).

i agree with you on all counts.

Yes, this is the worst failing of the system here that there is no common ticketing. The original BTS and then MRT you can forgive as an oversight (well not forgive, but understand), but why joining a common ticketing platform wasn't mandatory in future tenders for new lines is astonishing. It is a massive massive failing of an otherwise good network. I have three cards (ARL, MRT, Rabbit) I need to use. I'm not sure I agree about the interchange distances though. I have been through most and they are generally as close as can be. Yellow to green is right there at Samrong, purple to pink is a bit of a walk at Nonthaburi Civic Centre but they are coming from different directions entirely and a walkway is being constructed, BTS to MRT is right there at Asok, blue to purple is literally right there at Tao Poon - you just go up a level, red to blue is just going down to the basement at Bang Sue. ARL to BTS at Phaya Thai couldn't really be closer. Seriously how close can they be?? In Singapore some stations have really long walks, as does Shanghai (way further than any Thai connection), HK I don't remember, Tokyo has massive walks. The only Thai one I take issue with is ARL to MRT at Makkasan, I have no idea why it couldn't be a direct link in the basement of Makkasan station. I am guessing there must be a technical reason for it - too much below ground infrastructure that can't be moved, or the SRT line causing an issue, not sure - would love to know as that is a pretty long walk but again, nothing more than the walks in other major cities I have been to.

Let me guess, you don't live in Bangkok? For anyone to say the BTS is dirty and outdated, sorry, you can't be taken seriously.

Enjoy, cheers!

When Emirates first started operating the A380 I was excited to try it so booked business back to the UK. I always check aircraft type when booking, but two legs were last minute changes to 777s which are way behind the A380 experience. I did write a formal complaint as it had upset me - it was the whole reason I chose Emirates: the A380 and its bar. They did reply that it is their right to change aircraft type due to any number of reasons so they can apologise, but it is normal and you have no recourse. If I remember rightly they bunged a few miles into my account but that was all.

I agree, I prefer their Bangkok lounge too. More intimate, more accessible. The one in Dubai just feels like a big canteen and I prefer to pour my own drinks rather than have to ask someone for one each time. The only thing superior in Dubai is the Moet bar, that is very cool, but it's only in one of their lounges and I always forget which (just looked it up, Concourse B): https://www.executivetraveller.com/visiting-emirates-moet-et-chandon-champagne-bar-in-dubai

DIrty? It's spotless and is in remarkable condition given it's age. The original trains are 24 years old but still in perfect condition. And it is a commuter system running through the middle of a major capital city, why would you expect to get a seat? Criticise legitimate issues if you like but don't make things up - dirty and dated.

I think a lot of it is down to the lower quality diesel used here - Euro 4 standard. The EU is Euro 6 and moving to Euro 7 in a year or so. Euro 4 doesn't burn as efficiently and emits a lot more pollutants and particulates. Thailand has been stuck on Euro 4 since 2012. Thailand is finally moving to Euro 5 as of 1st January. https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40034126

I heard (and then saw) a car yesterday, brand new with red plates - a 320d. I have absolutely no idea why someone would buy a new diesel saloon car. Why? I understand people buying diesel trucks due to the lack of alternative (and diesel giving better torque than petrol), but a new diesel BMW three series???